Club Beirut - Questions for the Band

The latest Questions for the Band features euphoric indie pop merchants Club Beirut whom I caught up with a few weeks back, as usual I shall let the band introduce themselves.

A gentle start, for those that don't know the band that well, can you tell us a little bit about yourselves ?

We have been going for  around a year and a half and have picked up much traction, including securing Number 23 in Japans Official charts and are now managed by Universal Records Ex Managing director, Kimi Kato. We initially started when our singer Craig who works in the RAF started making demos at his home in elgin. Fraser the guitarist, jumper on the band wagon and they eventually recorded their first single ‘Something New’. After the release of their first single, jordan (drummer) and Ryan (bassist) joined the squad! 

What is your writing process ? is it music or lyrics first ?

Craig will normally come up with the main basis of the song and will share it with the band. Normally it is music before lyrics but it really depends. If we get a catchy lyric in our heads, then lyrics will come first.

Which artists/bands do you draw your music inspiration from ?

The 1975 are a massive inspiration for us. We have had the opportunity to see them live a couple of times and its been an absolute pleasure each time. However, heavier bands like The Hunna and Circa waves have drawn a lot inspiration out of us.  

What do you enjoy most about being in a band ? And least ?

When we practise, its usually up in Elgin, where craig lives at the RAF base. We love it. This year has been so hard not seeing friends and family and we miss practising together a lot. Catching up, having a laugh whilst playing and being friends whilst playing live is the best feeling, knowing your working towards an end goal with your best friends is what we enjoy the most. 

What are you doing to cope and get through lockdown ? Any tips for others ?

Craig and Jordan are working full time so they have that to entertain themselves. Usually listening to new music, watching live gigs online and practising our own instruments helps us get through the darkest of days! NOT LONG NOW UNTIL WERE ALLOWED OUT AGAIN! 

If you could choose to support any band who would it be and why ?

The 1975. Without a doubt. They have been the main inspiration for us throughout our whole career as a band.

Given our current living situation with Covid -19, what are your plans for the rest of the year ?

Practise. Practise. Practise. Since 2020 has been a write-off we are planning our 2021 to be the busiest it has ever been. Festivals. Parties. Live DJ sets. THE LOT. 

And finally if you could each choose only one album to listen to for the rest of your life, what would it be ?

Fraser - Yungblud - 21st Century Liability 

Jordan - Muse - Absolution

Ryan - McFly - Motion In The Ocean

Craig - ANYTHING BY Kylie Minogue

Thanks to the guys for taking the time to tell us a little bit about Club Beirut and what they been up to for the last few months during lockdown and their big plans for coming out of lockdown.

Club Beirut can be followed on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Spotify:

https://www.facebook.com/clubbeirut/

https://instagram.com/clubbeirut?igshid=1w3u0cyavfeq1

https://twitter.com/BeirutClub

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UzuEOC0q46aaIDsXuwx4q?si=WNK3IBeITEmjnvHith8JJA